The Volkswagen Beetle, an icon of automotive history celebrated for its reliability and quirky charm, might seem an unlikely candidate for conquering the extreme conditions of Antarctica. Yet, in the 1960s, these plucky little cars became a surprising part of Australian Antarctic expeditions. The story of these “Antarctic Beetles” is one of ingenuity, resilience, and a dash of mystery. You might be wondering, What Happened To All The Vw Beetles that braved the bottom of the world? Let’s delve into the fascinating journey of these polar bugs and uncover their fates.
Framed picture of my VW Beetle Advert
The Unlikely Antarctic Vehicle: Why a Beetle?
When you picture vehicles traversing the icy landscapes of Antarctica, images of heavy-duty tracked machines likely come to mind. However, in the early days of Antarctic exploration, even dog sleds and manpower were gradually replaced by tracked vehicles like caterpillar tractors and WWII-era Weasels. For shorter distances around bases, wheeled tractors and motorbikes were also utilized. It was in this context that Ray McMahon, preparing to lead Mawson Station, an Australian base in Antarctica, had a novel idea. If conventional vehicles worked, why not a small, air-cooled car like the Volkswagen Beetle?
VW Beetle Advert
By the 1960s, the Beetle was already a global phenomenon. Its rear-engine design provided excellent traction, its lightweight build was advantageous in snowy conditions, and its air-cooled engine was less susceptible to freezing than water-cooled engines – a critical advantage in Antarctica’s frigid environment. Moreover, Volkswagen was actively encouraging dealerships to showcase the Beetle’s versatility. When McMahon contacted Volkswagen Australia with his unusual request, they were enthusiastic. They provided a Beetle free of charge, eager to see their car tested in such extreme conditions and to capture the publicity.
Antarctica 1: The Ruby Red Pioneer
The chosen vehicle was a striking Ruby Red Beetle, a color selected to stand out against the white Antarctic landscape. While largely stock, “Antarctica 1” underwent minor modifications to prepare it for the harsh environment. These included a more robust crankshaft bearing, winter-grade oil to withstand sub-zero temperatures, a larger battery for reliable starting power, and practical additions like a tow bar and roof rack. Essentially, it received the standard “winterizing” treatment that Beetles destined for colder climates would typically undergo.
VW Beetle in Snow
Upon its arrival at Mawson Station in 1963, Antarctica 1 quickly dispelled any skepticism. It completed a 35-kilometer round trip to the airstrip in just over an hour, navigating challenging terrain with surprising ease. Remarkably, it wasn’t even equipped with a full set of winter tires; only the rear wheels had Dunlop Wintertreads. The expedition photographer, Geoff Merrill, documented the Beetle’s exploits, and the resulting photos and footage became a media sensation, a marketing triumph for Volkswagen Australia. The Beetle’s unexpected capabilities in the Antarctic earned it the nickname “Red Terror” among the base personnel. Scientists found it particularly useful for short survey runs and coastal scouting, appreciating its reliability and ease of operation.
VW Beetles in Antarctica
Antarctica 2 & 3: Orange and Reliable Successors
After a year of service, Antarctica 1 was replaced by “Antarctica 2,” a Beetle painted in a bright International Orange and featuring upgrades based on the experiences with the first Beetle. However, Antarctica 2 faced an early setback when it was buried in a blizzard, and snow damaged its engine beyond repair by the base mechanics. It was returned to Australia the following summer.
Antarctica 2 with roof rack
Its replacement, “Antarctica 3,” proved to be the most durable of the Antarctic Beetles. It served reliably for an extended period, becoming a workhorse for the Mawson Station team. These Beetles demonstrated that even a standard production car, with minor adjustments, could perform effectively in one of the most demanding environments on Earth.
Antarctica 3
The Mystery of the Missing Beetles: Antarctica 1, 2, and 3
So, what happened to all the VW Beetles after their Antarctic adventures? The stories of Antarctica 1, 2, and 3 take intriguing, and somewhat mysterious, turns.
Antarctica 1, upon its return from the ice, was not retired. Instead, it was handed over to BP and entered into the 1964 BP Rally of southeastern Australia. Driven by Ray Christie and navigated by Joe Dunlop, the Beetle, still bearing its “Antarctica 1” plates, achieved a remarkable victory. This rally success further cemented the Beetle’s reputation for versatility and durability, showcasing its ability to conquer vastly different terrains and climates.
Antarctica 1 Rally
Following its rally win, Antarctica 1 embarked on a promotional tour, visiting dealerships and BP service stations across Australia. However, after this period of fame, the trail goes cold. The last reported sightings placed it in Seymour, Victoria. Despite searches, no trace of the vehicle or its distinctive number plates has ever been found. Rumors suggest the dealership site where it was last seen may have been redeveloped, potentially burying the historic Beetle beneath new construction. The fate of Antarctica 1 remains an unsolved automotive mystery.
Last known photo of Antarctica 1
Antarctica 2’s story shares similarities with its predecessor. After its engine damage in Antarctica, it was sold to a Volkswagen employee, Klaus Peters, who repaired it and returned it to running condition. Klaus also entered Antarctica 2 in the BP Rally of Victoria and, mirroring Antarctica 1’s success, also won. However, in 1969, Klaus emigrated from Australia and advertised Antarctica 2 for sale in The Age newspaper.
Antarctica 2 for sale ad
Like Antarctica 1, the subsequent fate of Antarctica 2 remains unknown. It vanished after its sale, becoming another missing piece of the Antarctic Beetle puzzle.
Antarctica 3, in contrast to its more famous siblings, had a less glamorous but still noteworthy post-Antarctic life. After its service at Mawson Station, it was acquired by a Sydney VW dealer and racing driver, Chris Heyer. Heyer converted Antarctica 3 into a rallycross racer for the Catalina Rallycross series. However, after years of hard work in Antarctica and then rallycross, Antarctica 3 was likely worn out and probably ended its days in a scrapyard.
Antarctica 3 Rallycross
Antarctica 4 and Three-Quarters: The Scrapyard Survivor
The story of the Antarctic Beetles doesn’t end with the official VW-supplied vehicles. Mark Forecast, an ANARE scientist, recognized the value of Beetles during the 1964 expedition. In 1967, he brought his own battered 1957 Beetle to Antarctica. Rescued from a scrapyard and repaired, this Beetle, unofficially known as “Antarctica 4 and three-quarters,” holds the unique distinction of possibly being the only Antarctic Beetle to remain in Antarctica, albeit in a watery grave. Antarctica 4.75 sank through thin ice near the Forbes Glacier, plunging into the icy depths and nearly taking Mark and a colleague with it.
Antarctica 4 and three-quarters
Conclusion: The Enduring Mystery of the Polar Beetles
What happened to all the VW Beetles of Antarctica? While Antarctica 3 likely met a typical end in a scrapyard after a life of hard service, the fates of Antarctica 1 and 2 remain mysteries. These Beetles, symbols of ingenuity and resilience, vanished after brief periods of post-Antarctic fame. Their stories are a reminder of the unexpected places where automotive history can be made and the enduring appeal of the Volkswagen Beetle, a car that proved its mettle even in the most extreme environments on our planet. Perhaps one day, one of these missing Antarctic Beetles will resurface, adding another chapter to their remarkable tale.
References:
- Club Vee Dub: https://www.clubvw.org.au/vwreference/antarctic-vws/
- Club ANARE Archives: https://vimeo.com/anareclub
- BP Rally Antarctica 1 Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/BP-Rally-Antarctica-1-100063489522998/
